STEVE McManaman believes there is no clear favourite in tomorrow’s FA Cup derby.

The tie between Blues and Wolves is hard to predict, other than it should be a typically hard-fought local affair.

“Of course, both teams have very different agendas in regard to their respective league campaigns,” said ESPN football analyst McManaman, speaking ahead of the broadcaster’s coverage of three FA Cup third-round matches this weekend.

“But the FA Cup remains very, very special and a derby game is always a big game you want to win.

“If Birmingham were to win their games in hand in the Championship, then there would only be about seven places in the leagues between them and Wolves.

“You’ve got two teams very closely matched and there’s no real favourite or underdog tomorrow.”

McManaman, a friend of Carson Yeung’s, remains listed as a director of Blues’ parent company BIHL. But he has no decision-making power and, he stressed, no role at the club. Therefore he would only talk about the football, not finances and ownership issues.

“Birmingham have home advantage and are strong at St Andrew’s,” said the former England ace.

“Wolves are susceptible at the back and it’s going to be important for them to try and keep it tight.”